2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has 150 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electronic stability control (esc). Owners most often flag cvt transmission reliability concerns — uses jatco cvt shared with other brands; long-term reliability questioned, though some owners report high mileage (280,000+ km) without fluid changes. fluid changes are critical. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

150
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
8
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
51
electronic stability control (esc)
25
suspension
24
structure
15
steering
15

Recalls affecting the 2008 Lancer

structure:frame and members

Campaign 20V279000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Conne…

visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

Campaign 18V071000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach…

engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys

Campaign 14V562000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 O…

service brakes, air:supply:check valve

Campaign 09V077000

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VE…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided between the standard Lancer models and the high-performance Evolution variants. For standard Lancers (ES, GTS, Aspire, etc.), owner feedback is generally positive regarding reliability, practicality, and low-cost ownership. These m

  • CVT transmission reliability concerns — uses JATCO CVT shared with other brands; long-term reliability questioned, though some owners report high mileage (280,000+ km) without fluid changes. Fluid changes are critical. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical gremlins — issues include non-responsive accelerator pedal (2013 model), headlights staying on permanently (2008 model), and complete electrical system failures (radio, wipers, HVAC) with flickering lights. Frequency: isolated.
  • Rough idle on cold start — reported on a 2009 2.4L model; not resolved by air filter or oxygen sensor replacement. Frequency: isolated.
  • Peeling clear coat / paint quality — noted as a common issue to look for when inspecting used examples. Frequency: recurrent.
  • ABS control module failure — cited as a very common issue requiring expensive replacement (~$2800 USD) with parts often on backorder. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Lancer.

Typical used price

Used Lancer listings typically run $6,543–$9,497 across 2007 to 2017 model years.

Other Lancer model years

2017 Lancer2015 Lancer2010 Lancer2009 Lancer2007 Lancer2003 Lancer
Full Mitsubishi Lancer owner reportCompare against another car